Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about technology for retail and distribution
We answer the most common questions about POS, ERP and e-commerce integration, order management (OMS), ship from store, click & collect, demand forecasting, stock replenishment, dynamic pricing, promotions and social commerce for retailers, store chains and distributors in Tarragona, Catalonia and across Spain.
What technology services does Macaque Consulting offer for retail and distribution?
We develop unified commerce ecosystems that integrate your points of sale (POS) with online platforms, and apply advanced analytics to optimise inventory and deliver frictionless shopping experiences. We work on omnichannel ERP, POS and e-commerce integration, intelligent assistants and social commerce, order management systems (OMS), hyperpersonalisation and recommendation engines, demand forecasting and stock control, and dynamic pricing and discount engines. We serve retailers and distributors across Spain.
How do you unify stock across physical stores and the online store?
We integrate the ERP, each store's POS, the warehouses and the e-commerce platform into a single real-time view of inventory. Every sale, return or transfer updates stock instantly across all channels. This lets you sell online products that are in store, show real availability at each location and avoid both stockouts and excess inventory tied up in stores where it does not sell.
What is an order management system (OMS) and what is ship from store?
An order management system (OMS) centralises orders from every channel and automatically decides where to fulfil each one from: central warehouse, store or supplier, based on stock, proximity to the customer and cost. It enables models such as click & collect, where the customer buys online and collects in store, and ship from store, where stores act as mini-warehouses that ship online orders. Orders are delivered sooner and store stock is sold through.
How do you forecast demand and optimise replenishment in each store?
Using machine learning models, we analyse the sales history of each product and store, seasonality, promotions, weather, local events and trends to forecast demand accurately. Based on that forecast, we automate replenishment proposals and the allocation of goods between stores. You have the right product in the right place, reduce stockouts and forced markdowns, and free up capital tied up in inventory.
How does dynamic pricing help improve retail margins?
Dynamic pricing engines adjust prices and promotions according to demand, available stock, the product life cycle and competitors' prices. They make it possible to decide, based on data, when and how much to discount to clear stock without sacrificing more margin than necessary, which promotions generate genuine incremental sales and which price maximises the profitability of each category. Retailers stop setting prices by gut feeling and protect their margin in every commercial decision.
What is social commerce and how do intelligent assistants help you sell more?
Social commerce turns social networks and messaging channels, such as Instagram, TikTok or WhatsApp, into sales channels where customers discover, ask about and buy products without leaving the app. AI-powered intelligent assistants serve customers on those channels and on the website at any time: they recommend products, check availability, report on order status and handle returns. Connected to the catalogue, stock and CRM, they turn every conversation into a sales opportunity.